- Population: 113,763, 17% born overseas
- Education providers: Australian Airline Pilot Academy, Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Federation University (Federation College and Federation TAFE)
- Distance from Melbourne: 110km
View transcript
[Boppy, inspiring music throughout the video]
Text on screen: Welcome to Ballarat, visuals move to map of Victoria with Ballarat in central Victoria highlighted.
Visuals of Ballarat city and main street. Text on screen: Victoria's largest inland city.
Visuals of heritage buildings in the main street, vinyards and hills.
Text on screen: Just 75 minutes west of Melbourne. Visuals of statue art, fountain, students walking to class.
Text on screen: Home to world-class education institutions, logos of Australian Airline Pilot Academy, Australian Catholic University and Federation University.
Students talking outside on campus, walking to class, rusted artwork, student wearing ACU hoodie.
Text on screen: Easily accessible by Car, Bus and Train. Visuals of yellow fields.
Text on screen: A melting pot of art, food, wine and attractions.
Visuals of frying pans cooking scallops, students meeting, aboriginal flag.
Text on screen: Set against an iconic heritage backdrop. Visuals of building with clocktower.
Text on screen: Key industry sectors: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Creative Arts.
Visuals of Ballarat, the part of history signage.
Text on screen, quote from Thien, Vietnam, Bachelor of Nursing, Australian Catholic University: Ballarat is a regional area where you can enjoy the wilderness, quietness among farms and nature just by driving about 15 minutes out of town.
Text on screen, quote from Sydney, Zimbabwe, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at Federation University: Living in Ballarat is a truly enriching experience for international students seeking a blend of academic excellence and cultural richness.
Text on screen: A perfect blend of history and modernity.
Visuals of war statue of horse and two riders with clocktower in background, students entering an old hotel, modern art gallery, passing tickets, students studying on the lawn.
Text on screen: Ready to start your study experience in country Victoria? Find your course with the Study Melbourne Course Finder.
[Study Melbourne Victoria Australia logo]
Key institutions
The Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) is a registered training organisation (RTO) that delivers vocational education training (VET) - which refers to hands-on, practical instruction - in the aviation sector.
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a range of fields. It zis particularly renowned for its courses in theology, divinity and religious studies - ranked #34 in the world for these disciplines. ACU has also been recognised as a global leader in nursing studies, education and psychology.
The #1 university in Victoria for graduate starting salaries, full-time graduate employment and social equity, Federation University is a top choice among international students. The university is particularly renowned for its research outputs in the fields such as applied mathematics, civil engineering, environmental sciences and nursing. This makes it a perfect fit for students pursuing their studies in these disciplines.
The university also offers youth, English language and pathway programs through Federation College as well as vocational training through Federation TAFE.
Liveability
Ballarat was named one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities in 2020. With its classic charm, friendly people and relaxing way of life.
The city performed best in the categories of public transport and public open space. It also ranked in the top five for access to supermarkets, local employment and services, and housing affordability.
Ballarat’s public transport system is clean and well-connected. Its buses are operated by CDC Victoria and you can catch V/Line trains to and from Ballarat Railway Station. There are also many options for getting to Ballarat from outside regions, which you can explore here.
Home to 2 botanical gardens, Lake Wendouree, many acclaimed attractions, a vibrant arts and culture scene and amazing food and wine experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this city.
Hear what others say
View transcript
[Gentle music, international student walking outside on campus]
[Speaker: Sydney Nhema] Hi my name is Sydney. I'm one of the study Melbourne 2024 student ambassadors.
[Sydney speaking with microphone at conference, outside smiling with Federation University logo in background, working in a lab with laptop and technical equipment]
I'm doing a double degree in mechanical engineering and applied physics. I love physics and Mathematics so when I'm not diving into research I you find me making a lot of connections and just supporting my friends]
[Sydney playing chess with a friend, driving to Ballarat Mechanics Institute, old racing car, workin on laptop]
And I love visiting a lot of local films which just offers practical insight into my uh engineering processes that I find fascinating and very insightful.
[Study Melbourne logo]
Key sectors
Health care and social assistance
The health care and social assistance sector is Ballarat’s biggest employer, with 9,200 employees and an economic output of $1.2 billion. The city is home to public and private hospitals, specialists and allied healthcare providers, as well as Australia’s only regional cancer research centre, the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
Manufacturing
Ballarat’s manufacturing industry is home to many internationally recognised brands, including Mars Confectionary, McCain Foods and IBM. The industry has a direct output of $3.3 billion and supports more than 4,100 jobs in the region.
Arts and creative industries
Ballarat has a thriving arts scene - so much so that it was named a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2019. Home to a performing arts theatre and Australia’s oldest regional gallery, there are many opportunities available for makers, creatives and artists in Ballarat.
Innovations and key initiatives
Ballarat Innovation Precinct
Located centrally on Albert Street, the Ballarat Innovation Precinct is a place for tech entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups to meet and collaborate.
Home to co-working spaces and networking groups, this is the perfect place to grow your skills, develop your ideas and launch an exciting future.
Creative Ballarat
Whether you’re planning a future in the creative arts or simply enjoy a lively cultural scene, Ballarat is an ideal place to draw inspiration from. The award-winning Ballarat Creative City Strategy has proposed a long-term vision for the city, guiding policy and investment in the creative industries, including public art and live music. Under the plan, Ballarat is set to become one of Australia’s most creative cities.
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